Whether it be a choice in comfort when playing long basketball games, genetics, or choice in hair style, you may notice many NBA players sport a bald do. If you too dawn a hair-less look, you may find it fascinating that so many of the world’s top basketball players do as well. Read more below to find out exactly which NBA stars are bald or balding.
Male Pattern Baldness & Androgenic Alopecia
Male pattern baldness, also referred to as Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA), is a genetic hair loss condition that affects men and women of all ages due to genetic influences and hormonal changes over time. The permanency of the hair loss stems from hair follicles shrinking, which inhibits hair growth. Most commonly, the hair loss with AGA begins with losing hair around the crown of the scalp and hairline. Male pattern baldness is most widely known for the characteristic M-shape of the receding hairline. Though male hair loss usually begins in a man’s late 30s, research indicates that male pattern baldness is hereditary with onset as beginning as soon as the early 20s. Aging greatly influences the hair thinning process and causes it to worsen over the years. According to the American Hair Loss Association, by the age of 35, around 65% of American men will experience some degree of hair loss. By the age of 50, approximately 85% of men will have significantly thinning hair.
Are Some NBA Players Bald by Choice?
While many people do not, there are quite a few people (especially athletes) choose to be bald! Whether they enjoy the aesthetics of a hair-free look, or prefer the ease and comfort of having a bald head when training and exercising, the reasons are limitless. With the constant hustle and bustle NBA players are in, it would make sense for them to dawn a hairstyle that is low maintenance since they are constantly traveling and wouldn’t have time to prioritize haircuts often.
Correlation Between Balding and NBA Players
Whether it is from genetics or shaving by choice, baldness within the NBA is definitely common. There doesn't seem to be any significant scientific correlation between the NBA lifestyle and balding, but there could be other factors that occur within hair loss that are contributing. People experience hair loss for numerous reasons, but stress and/or tight headbands could especially be playing a part in baldness for NBA players.
Balding NBA Players:
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Lebron James: Lebron James' balding has become one of the more popular cases of balding in the NBA. Lebron is undoubtedly one of the most famous basketball players of all time, so when his hairline began to recede, fans couldn’t help but notice. James’ receding hairline has seemed to improve in recent years, causing people to speculate whether or not he received hair transplants.
- Trae Young: Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young has made headlines for his spotty and seemingly balding head. In a less than respectful manner, rival fans chanted and posted on social media about Trae Young’s unconventional hair. While Young himself has never commented on the subject, we would like to emphasize taunting someone’s hair status is never in good fashion.
- Alex Caruso: Since joining the NBA, Alex Caruso has been known for his bald hair style. A current Chicago Bulls player, Caruso spoke in an interview about the stigmas of male baldness stating,
“We live in the year 2021, right. So you got social media, you got all this stuff telling you what you should be, what you should do. Whatever you want to do, do it. That's honestly for hair, for life. So you want to go get a toupee, you want to put some plugs in, go for it. If you want to shave it all, shave it all. At the end of the day, it's your life. You're the one that has to answer the questions and why you did what you did. And as long as you're happy with it, that's all there really is to it”.
- Kevin Durant: NBA superstar Kevin Durant has also been a subject of discussion as to whether his baldness stems from genetics and aging, or from a personal styling choice. Most commonly pointed out, there appears to be a bald spot on the crown of Durant’s head. Kevin Durant has yet to make any comments on his hair.
So is Bald a New Basketball Norm?
We hope that you have learned something new and are also more aware about male pattern baldness and how it can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or social status! If you yourself are struggling with hair thinning or loss in general, we are here to help you rediscover healthier, fuller-looking hair. If that sounds like you, take a look at our Hair Revival Serum and start your hair revival today.
